The following is a quick breakdown of shows this weekend’s worthiest live music offerings from Friday through Sunday. For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Concerts page
FRIDAY, MAY 14
[pictured, photo by Danny Clinch] England-by-way-of-Kentucky soul rockers Cage the Elephant are making the rounds on a headlining tour in support of their eponymous debut, which hit U.S. shelves last May. Their newest single, the combustible “In One Ear,” mixes sing-song rapped verses with a bravado-packed chorus that calls to mind images of beer-soaked bar brawls. Besides “In One Ear” and fan favorites “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” and “Back Against the Wall,” the five-piece will likely perform material from their next album, expected out in late 2010. 8 p.m., State Theatre, St. Petersburg, $19. —Matthew Spencer
Mogol Street Reserve The prog-pop trio recently contacted me to let me know they were finally hitting Morrisound to redeem the studio hours they’d been awarded for winning “The 9” battle of the bands contest earlier this year. Unfortunately, I missed out on both recording sessions, but am eagerly awaiting the results. A great local act to help break in the former Garage, and billed as the "Post-Cage the Elephant" party. 10 p.m., The Local 662, St. Petersburg, free admission.
The Vodkanauts w/Midnight Bowler's League/Brian Merrill Tampa’s Vodkanauts fuse surf rock riffs with the vocal sensibility of a lounge jazz ensemble. The quintet formed in 2002 as a one-off opening for “The King of Surf Guitar” Dick Dale, and garnered such a warm reception that they decided to keep it rolling. A typical show includes a healthy dose of covers ranging from Neil Diamond to The Beatles and a mix of swanky originals. 9 p.m., New World Brewery, Ybor City, $7. —Matthew Spencer
w/Earl Greyhound [pictured left]/Robert Francis I’ve been spinning OK Go’s third album, Of the Colour of the Sky, pretty regularly since it came out in January, and it’s arguably one of the best LPs this year (and without a doubt, the best of the band’s career so far; it's got Prince written all over it, but with the electro-psychedelic ministrations of producer David ). Click here to read my interview with bassist Tim Nordwind, and see all their fab videos. Brooklyn’s Earl Greyhound brings the heavy-stomping, funk and blues rock of a truly great power trio to the bill, and singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Robert Francis rounds it out with his compelling, upbeat brand of indie folk rock. This show WILL sell out. 9 p.m., Crowbar, Ybor City, $15.
This article appears in May 13-19, 2010.